Flood risk assessments: frequently asked questions

In this series of blogs, our principal consultant, Mr George Kelly, seeks to answer some of the most frequently asked questions that our clients have about flooding risk assessment and planning permission.

Why do I need an FRA?

Your local authority and the Environment Agency will object to your application for planning permission if your site is greater than 1ha, or in a flood zone. Officers at both organizations need to be satisfied that your scheme is not at risk of flooding, and likewise, nor does it pose a risk of increased flooding elsewhere.

The purpose of your flood risk assessment report should be to deal with those objections, comprehensively yet concisely. This is best achieved through an iterative process between you and us (and or your architects!), to work around objections raised by the EA or your LPA, or provide evidence based arguments to support the preferred development scheme layout, as appropriate.

Typically, this process takes around a few days to a week, depending upon the scale and complexity of your development, and costs from as little as £350+VAT. If you are interested in talking to me about your site, you can get in touch using the contact page, or call me directly on 07857 178823.

GLNK Ltd is based in London, but we cover all of mainland UK. Recent projects have included work in London, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Kent, Yorkshire and Manchester. If you would like to know more about our recent projects please contact us and we will put you directly in contact with satisfied clients in your area, who are happy to recommend us.

Happy developing!

-George.

PS – later in the FAQ series will be a review of the various flood zones and what they mean for you and your planning application. Be sure to check back soon.